Congressman rallies Staten Islanders in protest against rising tolls

STATEN ISLAND ADVANCE/ ANTHONY DePRIMOCongressman Michael Grimm, center, holds a press conference at the Fort Wadsworth overlook with Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis after the MTA proposed another toll hike for the Verazzano-Narrows Bridge, bringing it to $15. Grimm introduced legislation that would limit the amount of toll increases the agency proposes on citizens. Saturday September 22, 2012. (Staten Island Advance/Anthony DePrimo)

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A vocal group joined Rep. Michael G. Grimm (R,C-NY) beneath the Verrazano Bridge to protest the MTA's recent proposal to raise tolls from $13 to $15.

"The Port Authority and MTA are raising tolls to the point that the average family can't live here anymore," said Grimm at a press conference on the overlook at Fort Wadsworth. The freshman congressman introduced legislation Friday that would limit the amount an agency can increase tolls.

He was joined by Assemblywoman Nicole Malliotakis who also reiterate the call for the PANYJ to release its study detailing the economic impact of the commercial tolls raised on the three bridges connecting Staten Island to New Jersey.

"What the Port Authority and the MTA are trying to do is nothing short of extortion. They think they can increase these tolls every year indefinitely," said Ms. Malliotakis.

Joe Valentin, who was among the crowd of about 50 people, is glad to see lawmakers getting behind the issue that effects the pockets of Staten Islanders.

"I think this is the first time in 30 years that we have a lot of officials creating laws to control how this [tolls] is handled," said the Great Kills resident.